Principal
Abbeyfield School, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 8BU16 days remaining to apply
Start date details
Spring Term
Closing date
27 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
11 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time: Full time, permanent
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- Negotiable, dependent on experience
What skills and experience we're looking for
Abbeyfield School is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead our ambitious, caring and inclusive community. This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations and champion a culture of ambition, respect and kindness.
As Principal, you will inspire excellence in teaching and learning, ensure every student is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential, and work with staff, families and governors to shape the school's continued success.
Job Title: Principal
Location: Abbeyfield School, Northampton
Salary: Negotiable. Dependent on experience.
Start Date: Ideally Spring Term
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-Time
Application Closing Date: Sunday 27th September 2026
1st Round Interview Date: Tuesday 6th October 2026, at Abbeyfield School, Northampton
2nd Round Interview Date: Wednesday 14th October 2026 at The ElevatEd Hub, The Milton Keynes Academy
About You
You are an ambitious, values-driven leader with a clear vision for delivering an exceptional education where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their very best. You bring a strong track record of school improvement, inspiring others through high expectations, strategic leadership and an unwavering belief in every young person's potential. As Principal, you will champion a culture of ambition, respect and kindness, ensuring every student thrives academically, personally and socially. You will lead with integrity, compassion and purpose, fostering a school community where excellence is expected, wellbeing is prioritised and everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Substantial experience in senior school leadership, as a Vice Principal, Deputy Headteacher or equivalent, with a proven record of raising standards and securing sustained improvement.
- A strong commitment to inclusive education, ensuring all students, regardless of background or circumstance, have the opportunity to succeed and flourish.
- A commitment to continuous professional development, with relevant leadership qualifications and a reflective approach to improving practice.
- A deep understanding of effective school improvement, with the ability to drive high-quality teaching and learning, strengthen outcomes and lead successfully through change.
- The ability to inspire, develop and empower staff, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional growth.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and positive relationships with students, staff, families, governors and the wider community.
- A commitment to the values of ambition, respect and kindness, ensuring these principles are embedded throughout the life of the school and reflected in every aspect of the student experience.
What the school offers its staff
AboutAbbeyfield School:
Abbeyfield School is a values-led community where staff are supported, empowered, and inspired to make a real impact. Guided by our principles ofAmbition, Respect, and Kindness, we foster a collaborative culture where every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of our students. Staff wellbeing is a genuine priority, with clear systems, consistent processes, and a calendar that supports work-life balance.
Professional development is central to our ethos. You'llbenefitfrom high-quality CPD, coaching, and opportunities to collaborate across Creative Education Trust schools. Our students are curious, courteous, and eager to learn, and our inclusive, restorative approach to behaviour helps every learner feel safe and supported.
Abbeyfield is a school where staff are trusted to lead, reflect, and grow. With excellent facilities anda strong teamethos,it’sa place where you can develop your career and be part of something meaningful. Ifyou’relooking for a school that values its people and puts students at the heart of everything, Abbeyfield is the place for you.To find out more please visitourwebsite.
Further information about the job
About Creative Education Trust:
Creative Education Trust is a growing network of 17 schools, educating over 13,500 children and young people across England. Since 2010, we’ve worked in partnership with communities to deliver an education that inspires ambition, promotes equity, and unlocks opportunity for every learner.
We believe every child has talent, every community has strength, and every school can be a place where excellence thrives. Our curriculum is rich, broad, and inclusive - designed to build knowledge, nurture creativity, and prepare students for the future.
We are united by a shared purpose: to transform lives through education. Our schools are places where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to lead their own lives with confidence. Through collaboration, high expectations, and purposeful leadership, we ensure that success is both expected and achieved - together.
Visit our Trust website to explore how we support our staff and discover more about our mission, values, and opportunities.
Ready to Join Us?
Submit your application directly through our website. We warmly welcome visits to our school, and if you'd like to arrange a visit or confidential conversation our friendly HR/Recruitment team is here to help. Reach out to our Head of Recruitment Siân Gladman at sian.gladman@creativeeducationtrust.org.uk or 07706 359649, and she’ll be delighted to assist you. Want to stay connected? Join our Talent Pool here and be the first to hear about future opportunities.
Essential Information:
Creative Education Trust (CET) is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe, we expect all our colleagues to share in this responsibility.
All shortlisted candidates are subject to online checks prior to interview.
The CET Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Keeping Children Safe in Education, where all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, separate Barred List Check, References and where appropriate a Prohibition from teaching search.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
CET is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive culture and environment for the benefit of its employees and the communities it serves.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Abbeyfield School
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- Size
- 1296 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Abbeyfield School website
- Email address
- katy.youngman@creativeeducationtrust.org.uk
We are a popular and oversubscribed mixed secondary school, catering for children between the ages of 11 and 18 years located in Northampton.
The school boasts outstanding facilities in a modern well-kept stimulating environment.
Arranging a visit to Abbeyfield School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email katy.youngman@creativeeducationtrust.org.uk.
School location
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